However, David de Gea produced fine saves to deny Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho, securing United a hard-earned point.

TWEET OF THE MATCH

"Drab affair that. No risks taken by either team. Loads of huffing and puffing. Point at Anfield would have been taken before the game though" - former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand ‏(@rioferdy5) was happy with the draw but not the spectacle.

STAR MAN

De Gea. On a night when Coutinho and Ander Herrera impressed, Manchester United's number one made the most crucial contribution. De Gea produced a fine stop to deny Can and did even better when clawing away a long-range Coutinho effort.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Coutinho is never afraid to try his luck from distance and took aim with a superb curling effort from 30 yards. De Gea, though, was alert and agile enough to turn the exceptional effort wide in front of the Kop.

REF WATCH

Anthony Taylor was under intense scrutiny in the build-up, with the Manchester-based referee's appointment dissected by many within the game, even United boss Jose Mourinho. He kept his cool at Anfield and, despite angering some home fans at times, did not rush to any rash decisions.